The Downhill Hostel was one of our favorite places that we stayed in all of Ireland. During our 23…read moredays in Ireland and Northern Ireland, the scenery of the Downhill Hostel was certainly the best of any place we stayed. McCall and William were hospitable and gracious. We definitely recommend you stay there for more than one night. We tried to do just one night and that simply wasn't enough, so we stayed a second night. Thanks for everything! We miss the Downhill already. Coty, Jon, Heidi, and Luke Ottertail, Minnesota, USA

One of our favorite place on earth, if not the first one !…read moreWe've been there 3 times since 2000 with a growing pleasure each and every time. The people running the place are the nicest host you could imagine. The place is magnificent with a breathtaking scenery ! It's not far away from the Giant's Causeway, a mythical place and the neighbourhood is a great place for someone who loves nature and peaceful walks. It's not very far either from Donegal, thanks to a boat which will carry your car and yourself from one place (i.e. Northern ireland) to the other (Eire). We're looking forward to come back (but not too often otherwise we would end in staying there and not returning home (France it is).

All Around Best Hostel I've Been To…read more I would like to start off saying my mom and I are at the end of a 32 day backpacking trip through Europe and the UK. Out of all the hostels we've stayed in this trip, and ones I've stayed in on other trips, this was my favorite and most accommodating. It was the best on SO many levels. When we got there, they were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We screwed up a bit in the booking part and they worked with us and helped us out tremendously. Once checked in, we got a great tour of the facilities. -They have a great TV area where people can watch Netflix, use their computers or just hang out -They have a nice open kitchen with 2 sinks for convenience -A cool dining area next to the kitchen that has a pool table and foosball table along with seating -You can wash and dry laundry for a small charge -The rooms are large! Great size! (We stayed in both the 4 and 6 bed rooms) -They have included breakfast, which is always a plus It had a really great and comfortable vibe. If you just wanted to meet people and hang out, you could. It was in a killer location, a short walk to everywhere you want or need to go. I really couldn't speak or think any more highly of this place.

Compared to other hostels, this one is just ok. They only have 5 showers in the entire hostel so if…read morethe hostel is fully booked during your stay it's a bit annoying to have a wait or wake up ultra early just to shower. The water was always hot though so that's a plus. Also, it's not super dirty but it's not clean either. It's like it hasn't been vacuumed in a solid 4 months but they probably sweep once and awhile. I also got sick just from sleeping there so thats always a rough sign for me. On the plus: the staff is very helpful but there is only one person working at a time so they can only help for so long. The free breakfast was nice and the game of thrones tour leaving from the hostel was nice, just be prepared to walk a lot...like really a lot....like miles and miles. But still, it was beautiful. I personally wouldn't stay here again but it's not a bad choice for a quick stay.

I'm not Irish. I'm a Jewish/German American. But I'd always longed to visit Ireland and get…read moreexposure to the longstanding Irish tradition of storytelling. So when I got the opportunity to stay at the Ballyeamon Camping Barn and shadow storyteller Liz Weir, I jumped at the chance. I was there for seven weeks and helped run this amazing hostel, and any time I meet someone who's thinking about visiting Ireland, I tell them they must go here. Here's why: -Simple but clean and nice accommodations (with recent renovations) -Access to a full kitchen to make your own food -Gorgeous views in every direction -30 seconds from major hiking trails -6 miles from the charming small town of Cushendall (and the fantastic pub Joe's (http://www.mccollamsbar.com) -Not far (by bus) from the Rope Bridge and the Giant's Causeway (both free and amazing attractions) -Opportunity to interact with a variety of amazing storytellers, musicians, and other travelers Staying at the barn, I met people from England, Israel, Egypt, the US, Eastern Europe, Germany, etc. Some days it was quiet, some days we were a small troop of cooking and playing music and telling stories. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back!

Great facilites (self-catering houses as well as the hostel). Suitable for families, groups of…read morefriends, etc - anyone really! The centre is in a small rural village that is super friendly

If you book ahead, show up at the appointed time. Reception. Runs errands throughout the day and…read moremight miss you. The hostel was clean though a bit cramped -- but the prices are excellent and everything worth seeing in Derry is within walking distance. We checked in without much fuss, got our keys, a tour of the hostel, and a wonderful conversation with the operator which included advice for dining, drinking, music, and walking tours. We even got a map. In one of the hostel buildings (they own two rowhouses), the basement is dominated by a kitchen area that is very well appointed. There are laundry machines, but they bear signs requesting that guests contact reception before use -- so I don't know if there's a charge. I would stay here again, on my own, with a partner, or even with a young travel group.

I only spent one night here, but I absolutely loved it…read more I was doing a bit of traveling by myself for the first time and this hostel really made me feel at home. The owner is a very, very nice man and explained everything to me as soon as I arrived. It was a slow week and I had a room of six completely to myself. Now that I think of it, there were only a total of three people staying in the whole hostel that night. The bathrooms were very nice and the bathtub on my floor was one of those fancy old ones with feet. I didn't feel like going out during my night in Derry because I felt kind of nervous going out on a Saturday by myself in a different country. The living room area had over three hundred movies saved to a hard drive so I just sat and watched one. The owner (whose name escapes me, it's been a while) came in and watched it with me! He was a really lovely man. I woke up early the next morning to the smell of freshly baked bread. It really made me feel at home, even though we don't exactly bake bread at home. And luckily for me, I could eat a ton of bread as the only other guests had already left. When I went to pay for the hostel during check out, the total came to £10 even though I was told it was going to be £13. Awesome!

Loved this place…read more Super great value for money, this place was a treat. Like something from one of those family-bonding American roadtrip movies. An excellent warm welcome by lovely locals was the first impression quickly followed by comfortable beds, clean showers.. everything from a good B and B, but in a big old building that looked like a converted barn. Lots of quirky wee touches, including a TV room with an extensive library. We had a dorm booked with room for 6, including a big table to play cards and have a drink. There was also a porch for the smokers amongst us. Just when things couldn't get weirder.. a bat entered the equation. Followed by another bat. Screams. Laughs. It was memorable. Would definitely go back (if they have us back!). Only 15 euros a night each. Top fun, or should that be craic?

I thought this was just the coolest place. Perhaps we were lucky with timing, but the other people…read morestaying there were very polite. The price was unbeatable, and the location was perfect. My wife and I drove up to see Giant's Causeway (obviously), and stayed here for just one night. Worth every penny. I must say that it's a hostel, though, which means there's a common area and shared bathrooms. If you're okay with that, then this is the place for you!

We came across this hostel as an emergency during a visit at Giant's Causeway. It was such a great…read morerelief to have found this place. It's a fantastic hostel next door to Giant's Causeway (two-minute walk). Staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, and they provide great selection of snacks (pizza, lasagna etc.) to purchase for 3€, as well as varied beverages! Selection of hot breakfast included, free wifi, and free tea and coffee all day! Parking available for guests. Small but comfortable common room which connects to the glass patio area with a great view of the horizon for such a place. There were BBQ and tables by the outdoor patio. Since we got a place last minute, we stayed in the cabin (room of four which had electrical outlets and even a plug-in heater in case we were cold). It wasn't exactly the best of rooms, but the sheets were clean, crisp and fresh, which made the sleep and rest very comfortable. We shared a toilet located in the main building, but it wasn't a problem since the staff kept it very clean and stocked. It's a typical hostel -- cheap, communal and friendly, but also unusually intimate, which we greatly appreciated. Perhaps this would be an ideal place for solo travellers in the area.